Pari Island, Thousand Islands – Indonesia

Pari Island or pulau pari is part of  Thousand Islands (Indonesian: Kepulauan Seribu). Located 1-2 hours from jakarta, Pulau pari which part of Kepulauan Seribu are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast. It forms the only regency of Jakarta the capital of Indonesia. Pulau pari is very beautiful and offer many attraction or activities for tourism.

My first visit is on December 2013 and I am so amaze to this place as soon as I arrive. It’s my two days, one night holiday. Together with my roommate, our ship is departure from muara angke port at 09.00 am and arrive in pulau pari at 11.00 am. As we arrived in the island, we are welcoming by our local tour guide and then he bring us to our accommodation. In pulau pari there is no hotel. Most of the accommodation in the island is homestay (where the house of local resident become lodging). The price for homestay is around Rp. 400.000- Rp.700.000 per night ( depends on how many people stay).

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1. Snorkeling

The first activities we do after arrive Pulau Pari is snorkeling. Of course after we have our lunch and take rest. By traditional boat owned by local resident,  we are bring to three sites for snorkeling. For the first and the third places, I have no idea where is that because as far as i can see all is wide ocean. Meanwhile the second place is small island in the middle of sea. It’s my first time snorkeling and I can say, I loved it. The view of underwater is so original and beautiful. We can dive in, swim and give food to fish. Don’t worry it’s safe! The tour guide will teach and take care of you, include take picture for you. ^-^

Note: for the snorkeling equipment you can rent it.

• Google and Snorkel Rp. 35.000,-per day.
• Live Vest (Rompi Penyelamat/Pelampung) Rp. 10.000,-per dday
• Fin (Sepatu Katak) Rp. 10.000,-per day
• Rent traditional boat (perahu) for Snorkeling(10 person) Rp. 400.000,-per day

As for us, because we use tour guide it is include in our packet.

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2. Hunting Sunset in Lipi ( Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia)

After tired snorkeling, it is the time for us to see the sunset. Located in pulau pari, exactly near Lipi, you can see clearly the sunset. To arrive this place, you can ride bicycle and then walk around 10- 15 minutes tho the end of road. For tourist you can rent the bicycle or if you use tour guide, they will provide for you.

Price : The entrance fee for see sunset is Rp. 5.000 and for rent the bicycle per day is Rp. 10.000,-

 

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3. BBQ in Pantai Pasir Perawan (Virgin Beach)

Apart from their tourist attraction, pari island is also famous for they local fishing. Mostly, during the night around 8.00 pm virgin beach will become the place for BBQ. Most the dish they provide for BBQ is fish, so don’t hope for any meat and you also can try the coconut fruit, grilled corn or hot milk tea. Besides BBQ which provide by local guide you also can enjoy the dance (music) and the local story telling history/ fairy tale about pari island and virgin beach.

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4. Hunting sunrise in Pari Island

It is my second day in Pari Island. We need to get up around 5.30 am, as we are scheduled to see sunrise near the dock in Pari Island. Unfortunately, we arrive to the place around 6.00 am, and I couldn’t see any sunrise.

 

 

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5. Free time (Bicycle around the Island and play Banana Boat )

 

 

 

 

After see the sunrise, we are back to our homestay to enjoy our breakfast. Now, it is free time! We can do what we want until 10 am. There’s a lot things to do in Pari Island, from bicycling around the island, play banana boat,flying boat, enjoy the view until catch small crab and fish. I love the nature around here, It’s so fresh and relaxing. The island is still original and traditional. The sea is clean and you can see the small fish underwater or even catch the shell and crab in beach nearby.

 

Price : Banana Boat Rp. 25.000,-per person and Flying Boat Rp. 35.000,-per person

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6. Swimming in Virgin Beach

Pulau pari is famous for their Virgin beach or Pantai pasir perawan. The beach is still original with white sand, clean water beautiful view, and not too crowded. I have gone to many beaches such as Batu ferringgi – Penang, St.Kilda beach – Melbourne, Bondi beach – NSW, Sanur and Kuta – Bali. And I could say, I love the most Virgin beach after Bondi. Besides swimming you also can play volley ball, ride canoe / kayak, or even just seat and enjoy the view.

Price : Entrance fee Rp. 3.500 per person

Rent canoe/kayak in Pantai Pasir Perawan Rp.35.000,-per hours

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Transportation :

From Merina Ancol, Jakarta – use speedboat
Departure time from Marina Ancol at 08.00 am (boarding 30 minutes before)
Departure time from Pulau Pari at 13.00 pm (depends on condition, better ask and booking)

From Muara Baru port, Muara Angke, North Jakarta (public transport) – by ferry or rent wood ship (traditional boat) owned by the public.

Departure time from Muara Angke is around 07.00 am and
Departure time from Pulau Pari ; Monday – Sunday around 07.00 am and bonus for Friday and Sunday there is ferry at 11.00 am.

Price : For Speedboat from Marina Ancol around Rp. 180.000

For Ferry from Muara Angke around Rp. 35.000

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Travel packet Pulau Pari  ( 2 days, 1 night ) is Rp. 350.000 per person ( at the time there 8 person in our group) .  The price is  include snorkeling, accommodation, bicycle, entrance fee LIPI and pantai pasir perawan, BBQ, food and a guide for 2 days . At the time, we use tour guide ( Pari Island local guide) so the price is slightly cheaper compare to other. The price is depends on how many people in the group. The more people in the group, the more cheaper.

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Note : There is no ATM in the island, so bring enough money before you came.

The food and drink sell here is slightly more expensive compare to what they sell in Jakarta or land.

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The thousand Island consist of many small island. It is include, Pramuka island, harapan island, tidung Island, Pari Island and etc.

For more information about the thousand island, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Islands_%28Indonesia%29.